Sir, - Nobody could have asked Dick Spring to do more. He gave the most fruitful years of his life to leading the Labour Party. He is the greatest political force to come out of Kerry since Daniel O'Connell.
I support his suggestion that we move to build closer links with Democratic Left, but Vincent Browne's notion of electing Proinsias De Rossa or Pat Rabbitte as leader is interesting only as a columninch filler. If Ruairi Quinn succeeds in his attempt to become leader, there is, of course, the position of deputy leader to be filled.
I would like to see my Labour Party set out its agenda for the next five years. Issues to be addressed must include:
benefits of the Celtic Tiger to be felt right through society;
widening of the tax bands;
rejection of zero tolerance as a method of reducing crime;
lower teacher/pupil ratios and access to remedial teachers in all schools;
national minimum wage;
reduction of hospital waiting lists.
Those who believe the Labour Party will now dissolve in disarray do not understand the legacy of Dick Spring, who left behind a highly organised and motivated group which will be ready with a new programme for government at the next election. - Yours, etc.,
Killorglin, Co Kerry.